Presentation at IKUWA8 – Research on Belgian Shipwrecks Abroad

AquaTerra Archaeology is currently conducting research on Belgian shipwrecks in foreign waters. The preliminary findings were presented in the form of a scientific poster at IKUWA8 – the 8th International Congress of Underwater Archaeology, which took place in Ostend, Belgium, from 13 to 17 October 2025.

This research project focuses on the identification, documentation, and analysis of Belgian shipwrecks located in foreign waters. Through extensive archival research and data collection, a total of 137 Belgian shipwrecks and counting have currently been identified and compiled into a dedicated database.

The majority of these wrecks date to the First and Second World Wars, reflecting the significant role played by Belgian maritime assets and merchant shipping during these global conflicts. Many of these vessels were lost far beyond Belgian territorial waters, highlighting the international dimension of Belgium’s maritime history.

As part of the project, all known wreck locations are being systematically integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) database. This allows for spatial analysis of wreck distribution, maritime routes, and historical patterns related to wartime losses at sea. The GIS framework also facilitates future research, heritage management, and potential archaeological investigations.

The research is conducted within an international context, where issues such as legal frameworks, cultural heritage protection, ownership, and international communication between institutions and states play an important role. Many of these wreck sites fall under complex legal regimes, requiring collaboration and dialogue between different national authorities and heritage organizations.

By bringing together historical data, spatial analysis, and international heritage considerations, this project aims to contribute to a better understanding of Belgium’s maritime heritage beyond its national waters and to support the protection, public access and recognition of these submerged cultural heritage sites.

Full programme: https://www.vliz.be/ikuwa8